When Sony released the splendid two-disc Essential Bill Monroe & His Blue Grass Boys in 1992, they opted to use alternate takes instead of better-known classic readings in a number of cases: 16 to be exact. While the inclu... more &raquosion of these alternates attracted some avid collectors who didn't own them, the omission of the official takes angered them even more. Thus, in 1996, Sony sought to rectify the situation by releasing this single CD with the 16 omitted official takes. Not only did this appease completists, it also made for a worthy single-disc introduction to Monroe's landmark recordings and his high-water band with Flatt & Scruggs. These songs are the very cornerstone of the genre. --Marc Greilsamer&laquo less

Synopsis

Amazon.com

When Sony released the splendid two-disc Essential Bill Monroe & His Blue Grass Boys in 1992, they opted to use alternate takes instead of better-known classic readings in a number of cases: 16 to be exact. While the inclusion of these alternates attracted some avid collectors who didn't own them, the omission of the official takes angered them even more. Thus, in 1996, Sony sought to rectify the situation by releasing this single CD with the 16 omitted official takes. Not only did this appease completists, it also made for a worthy single-disc introduction to Monroe's landmark recordings and his high-water band with Flatt & Scruggs. These songs are the very cornerstone of the genre. --Marc Greilsamer

CD Reviews

Even better than The Essential Bill Monroe

C. S. Williams | 01/30/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Whether you're a bluegrass fan from "way back" or whether you're just discovered this great music, 16 Gems is a must for your collection. Bill Monroe is the Father of Bluegrass, and as far as I'm concerned, he's also the King. When this collection starts out with "Kentucky Waltz", you'll be hooked. This album is probably the best spent music money you'll ever spend."

A great collection spanning Bill's musical diversity

John fishead@neumedia.net | Elkins, West Virginia | 02/19/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"16 Gems is just that. 16 of the father of bluegrass music's finest. A wide variety of bluebrass stylings, from the beautiful Kentucky Waltz to the pounding Bluegrass Breakdown to Bill's heartfelt Gospel tunes, this one has it ALL! Highly recommended!!!!"

A Short-list Artist

C. S. Williams | Chicago Burbs, IL | 01/11/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What do these artists have in common: Caruso (teens), Beiderbecke (20s), Carter Family (30s), Benny Goodman (40s), Hank Williams, Sr.(50s) ? Via today's technology, we can enjoy full-flavored versions of theirwork decades after their deaths. And, we do it all the time. Why? The work of truly great artists is timeless.

Bill Monroe belongs on the short list of all-time great artists.Sometimes, it takes two to realize that - the artist and you. Being inclined toward classical and jazz, it took years for me to begin to really appreciate Monroe, tho I had always casually enjoyed my father's records. I knew Bill was good, just not how good. I'm still learning and lack the background to compare and contrast this CD's tracks with his later re-makes or engage in nostalgic talk about band personnel.

So, why did I buy this CD? Being more familiar with Monroe's 50-60's sound, I wanted to learn something about his musical development. What was the "young Bill Monroe" like ? This CD provides the answer because, though recorded in the 40s, these re-masterings are excellent. If you're like me, not a bluegrass expert, the thing to do with this CD is sit back and let these "gems" wash over you. This CD is a keeper."